Junk Food Brownies
Rich and fudgy dark chocolate brownies are topped with crunchy pretzels, potato chips, and peanuts, then drenched in buttery caramel, for a sweet/salty junk food treat that satisfies every craving!
Omg you guys. Have I got a treat for you today. Are you ready to indulge?
We are talking serious indulgence here. Am I speaking your language? I’m talking chocolate. Fudgy, dense, deep dark chocolate brownies. And pretzels. What goes better with chocolate than pretzels? Perhaps peanuts? Check. Oh yeah we’ve got that too. And if you like that sweet/salty balance then how about some kettle cooked potato chips. Anything potato is a hands-down win in my book. Drench it all in a rich buttery caramel. This dessert’s got it all.
Swoon city.
No guilt because it’s football season and it’s what we do. It’s all about the junk food when Superbowl hits. I made these with that in mind. Calories don’t count on Superbowl Sunday. Duh.
So you may as well go for it because besides being over-the-top delicious, these whip up in a snap. The brownie base is the best you’ll ever try (pinky promise!) because not only is it gooey, fudgy, and deeply chocolate-y, it’s also made with just a handful of pantry staples and it all happens in just one bowl. And the topping is as easy as scattering on the crunchy goodness and drizzling with warm caramel.
If you’ve never made caramel before I urge you to try it. It’s a lot easier than you’d think, and the result is truly stellar. Trust me, this is one of the most popular recipes on my site, and for good reason!
So grab yourself a spot on the sofa and settle in with one of these babies in hand! Regardless of who you’re rooting for, it’s a definite win.
This post contains affiliate sales links.
Junk Food Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 batch Simply Perfect Brownies, (baked in a 9 by 13-inch pan)
- 3 ounces (85.05 g) thin pretzel sticks
- 3 ounces (85.05 g) kettle cooked potato chips
- 1/3 cup (48.67 g) roasted peanuts
- 1 cup (238 ml) heavy cream
- 5 tablespoons (73.93 g) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (85.25 ml) light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup (62.5 ml) water
Instructions
- Bake the brownies according to the recipe directions. Do not remove from the pan. Scatter the pretzels, chips, and peanuts in an even layer over the surface.
- In a small pot, heat the cream, butter, and salt on low until the butter is melted and the salt has completely dissolved. Allow to cool slightly, then add the vanilla.
- Place the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a larger pot. Cook on medium-high heat, gently swirling the pot occasionally, until a rich amber color. Pour in the cream mixture, and whisk together as it bubbles down. Continue to cook the caramel on medium heat, until the temperature measures 245 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Immediately transfer to a heat-safe vessel.
- When the caramel has stopped bubbling, drizzle it over the pretzels, chips, and peanuts in an even layer. Cool completely, then cut into bars.
Hi, Allie! Are these firm enough to travel? I need to make a couple of batches of somethings to feed a busload of swimmers on their way home from a travel meet, which means the somethings will have to travel TO the meet with me. Possibly in a suitcase. What do you think?
Hey Kim! I think if you pack them carefully it could work. The potato chips are obviously fragile so if you can pack them in a single layer that would be best. Good luck and I hope the swimmers enjoy!
Oh heck, I cannot believe I forgot to report back. These were a huuuuuuuge hit. I increased the caramel by 25% because I wanted everything locked down good and tight and because, well, caramel. It was my first time making caramel and I pulled it off a tiny bit pale, but it was still outstanding. These kids, college swimmers, take their diets seriously during season so after the championship meet they go all out and the sweet/salty combo actually had some eyes rolling back in heads. They have been requested for this year’s banquet!
Oh wow that is so great to hear! Thanks so much for coming back and letting me know how it went down.
I’m your fan since i tried your simply chocolate cupcake and simply chocolate cake! I’m gonna make this soon! I love dessert that is sweet and salty! Thank you for the recipes allies!
My pleasure Suriati! These are my favorite kinds of recipes too- especially when chocolate is involved!
I am a sucker for brownies, and this has my name all over it!
All of my cravings in one ?
OH my gosh these brownies look insane in the very best way!